I've gotten this question several times lately in various forms! So I decided to share the answer on the blog for all to reference. People usually ask what Feng Shui books I recommend starting with. The books I list below are just a couple that I love. I choose them because I appreciate that they empower the reader to apply feng shui principles to their own spaces. These books demystify the topic enough to make it useable even if you aren't a master of the practice. They take traditional feng shui principles and modernize and simplify them so they are easy to understand and apply.

The first book I recommend is the one that I started with: The Western Guide to Feng Shui by Terah Kathryn Collins. This book explains the basic feng shui principles including yin and yang, the 5 elements, the bagua map, and how to apply various feng shui cures and enhancements in our modern, western world. It's a great introduction book ... easy to understand and apply in your space. There's no compass or understanding of astrology required. I loved this book so much that I went on to study with Terah. (Yeah, I'm a little biased!)

My second favorite book on the subject is Feng Shui for the Soul by Denise Linn. Okay, really this one is now my favorite book on the subject. What I love about it is that it empowers you to connect with your own intuition and learn to communicate with your space. There are no feng shui "rules" to follow ... it's just about learning to be present and aware in your space and making adjustments that feel good all around. In addition to feng shui, Denise Linn also includes aspects of her native american heritage in her version of harmonizing space. This book is a constant resource for me and I use many of Denise's activities in my current workshops. I hope to study with Denise very soon!

A word of caution about using books on the topic to diagnose and cure your situation ... don't take everything you read to be "law" (some books might sound that way). Trust your own instincts as you apply this stuff. For example, don't chop down all your prized rose bushes because they have thorns and you just read that the pointy thorns might deter potential opportunity from coming to you .... first consider whether this lack of opportunity is a symptom in your case!

Keep in mind that whenever I consult with someone, I "suggest" things to shift or enhance in their space after considering many factors. But ultimately, I leave it up to the client whether that suggestion works for them. I encourage you to use your own intuition as you apply what you read as well. As with all things ... if you have a general question or interest consult a book or the internet to find out more ... but if you have a chronic situation on your hands ... consult a professional (that's me!)

I'd love to hear about any books you've read on the topic of feng shui, and if you've applied any of what you read. Please feel free to share below.

I was visiting a friend just before the holidays ... and we ended up doing a quick feng shui consultation of her home. She lives with her husband and son in a small ranch with an unfinished basement. As her home business and her family have grown their space has gotten tighter and tighter. She and her husband had a plan to finish off the basement and create an office or a playroom downstairs. They've even been storing another set of couches down there ... for seven years! But both of them are busy and they can only do work on the space when time and budgets permit ... so the downstairs living space hasn't come together as hoped.

No problem really ... except that they are busting out of their living space and every other part of their life was on hold until it gets finished. As my friend and I went from space to space she would say "well when the downstairs gets done I'll move this downstairs and then I'd have space to put this (or to do this)". I heard those words repeatedly. Finally we went downstairs ... I've never been down there before ... and I immediately knew why. The space is far far from the dream living space they need .... it's your typical cellar. But dark and dusty and unfinished aside ... it's spacious ... and it's useful space NOW.

I started talking to my friend about letting go of the vision of the finished basement for now. Especially since it seemed clear that time wasn't going to permit it to be finished in the next couple of months (it's been 7 years!). And we started talking about how it could be used now. We went back upstairs to the living spaces and started pointing out things that could be moved downstairs ... we looked for things that were used less often so could be stored further away. Before long we had a list of kitchen appliances, seldom used books, servingware, toys, some small storage cabinets and paper goods that could move into the "basement storage area" ... and the best part was it was opening up TONS of living space for them NOW. So even though they weren't getting more square footage with a new finished room, they were still able to create more open and comfortable space where they could LIVE!

My friend was very excited with the ideas ... and the next time I talked to her she and her husband had been busy moving some of the stuff around. I'd be happy if the story ended here. It's already proved my point that if you move something ... anything ... the energy shifts and the space ... and your life in turn ... gets/feels better. But the story didn't end there! It gets even better! I had the pleasure to check in with my friend again this week. They are still moving things around and feeling good about all of it ... so good in fact that they've made some major life decisions. And in that process decided they really need more space ... and so they've started refinishing the basement again with completely renewed energy and focus. They're downsizing their office space and setting it up in the new basement, creating some additional storage closets and adding a family room/exercise room. Upstairs they'll open up a whole room and more to use as they need! Interestingly the time and budget constraints haven't really changed ... but they're able to see the possibilities with fresh eyes ... all because they let go of how it should be. (And because they moved SOMETHING.) YAY ... and now IT WILL be!

Man... I love this stuff!!! OK ... Okay ... it's unfair for me and feng shui to take all the credit here! But I do think that we played a major role in this shift. It shows how we all get stuck sometimes ... and how a fresh set of eyes and a new perspective can really help get things moving again. That's how feng shui works to me!

Is there a project or an area of life that feels stuck to you right now? Share where you are stuck ... or how you finally moved forward in the comments below!Happy Feng Shui-ing! -Kerri

3 big things are in the works NOW! Check it out .... 1.In honor of Valentines Day I'm offering a feng shui consultation of your bedroom for only $75! Does your bedroom support the 3 R's ... Romance, Rest, and Rejuvenation? It can with just a few simple adjustments! In a one hour - one room consultation we can identify some simple adjustments to make so your space supports your sleep, your overall health and your relationships. Consultations on-site or by phone. Offer ends February 28. Call 508-440-9357 or email me to book it. 2. I'm also offering an encore presentation of "Discover YOUR Feng Shui" on Monday, February 27 ... 7pm-9pm at Brick House Realty in Holliston. Several people wanted to attend but could not make the weekend date ... here's your chance! We had lots of fun and participants have reported back with big transformations. $25. Advance registration suggested. Register and pay here now ... or send me an email to reserve your spot and pay at the door. 3. Saving the best for last ... I'm accepting registrations now for a 6 week Feng Shui "Work Group". Offered Monday's from 7-9pm starting March 12. Location TBD (somewhere in Holliston). Each week we'll discuss a different feng shui/life topic like Relationships, Wealth, Fulfilling Work, Health and more. Participants will get feng shui tips, guidance and coaching on adjustments to make in their life/space to move forward in each of these life areas. There will be lots of accountability (and some homework!) for those who join ... but also plenty of support ... and I promise it will be a breakthru for all involved. ONLY 6 SPOTS AVAILABLE. Advance registration is required. Register and pay here now for only $125 ... or send me an email to reserve your spot and pay $25 each week at the door. Happy Valentine's Day!

I had the privledge to spend last Saturday morning with this lovely group! We spent more than two hours talking about feng shui and learning how to "Discover YOUR Feng Shui". I've already heard back from a few in the group who are putting what they learned to work and feeling the difference in their spaces! This was lots of fun and I'll definitely be offering this workshop again soon!

Next up is Feng Shui for Nurseries and Kid's Rooms in March. And I'm also finalizing the details on a Feng Shui work group ... more details soon!

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Author

Kerri is the founder of Feng Shui Pathways (formerly Holistic Living Resources). Using a combination of tools including Feng Shui, Aromatherapy, Coaching, Organizing and Space Clearing she works with clients to create spaces that are comfortable, functional, supportive and inspiring. Kerri offers workshops and is available for speaking engagements on the topic of Feng Shui.